5 healthy dishes to bring to your next potluck

In the spirit of nourishing ourselves and others through communal eating, we love summer-time potluck dinners. Instead of showing up with pre-packaged chips and dip, whip up one of these beautiful dishes to share with your friends and family.

When it comes to get-togethers, our friend Ashley English is an expert. Her newly published (in paperback) book, Handmade Gatherings is an essential guide to creating and hosting fabulous and memorable gatherings. The book outlines sixteen gatherings (4 per season) to create in collaboration with friends. We love the Strawberry galette!

1.  Strawberry Galette with Mint Whipped Cream (simply a dish-less pie)  comes together so quickly you'll find yourself making it again and again. The mint whipped cream is an extraordinary compliment to the flavor of strawberries.  Summer celebrations mean extra light and time outdoors so rustic desserts fit right in. 

2. Easy Homemade Blueberry Cobbler really is a breeze to whip up for a gathering. With minimal ingredients and time to pull this impressive cobbler together, you'll be making it again and again for friends. We love the way Yossy from Apt 2B Baking Co. makes fruit the center of her dessert recipes. 

3. White Bean Spread with Rosemary and Toasted Almonds is our go-to appetizer for gatherings, especially with a large crowd. The flavor of infused rosemary and toasted almonds makes this dip unforgettable. If you have time, consider making homemade pita chips as well -- the combination is fabulous. Heidi from 101 Cookbooks has long been a resource for healthy and easy recipes to enjoy with friends.

4. Butternut Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the summer classic made with tomatoes. Made with just 5 fresh ingredients, this salad adds plenty of added nutrients and gorgeous color to the plate. Erin from Forest Feast is a natural at creating healthy and simple recipes to pull together on a short notice for gatherings. Her cookbooks are all illustrated with step-by-step images to easily follow along.

5. Israeli Couscous Salad with Roasted Squash and Pickled Cauliflower is simple, nutritious and filling -- the perfect side dish at any potluck. Marisa from Food In Jars has an eye for incorporating healthy pickled foods into her recipes. In this one, the pickled cauliflower is subtle but flavorful. In the summer months, she makes something similar with barley, pickled red onion, minced cucumbers, parsley, and crumbled feta. 

We'd love to hear what you enjoy making for potluck dinners. Please share in the comments below.